Vigor of Twelve is a play off of the fact that Jesus had twelve disciples. It is a name that helps stress an importance on discipleship. This blog is specifically geared for younger people and mature Christians who don't mind a fresh, bold, and blunt approach to faith. Comments welcome, let's begin the discussion!

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Saturday, April 7, 2012

Acts 10:30-33

Cornelius
tells Peter (and the rest of the gathered people) his side of the story. He recounts how he was praying when he
received the messenger. He also recounts
how the messenger told him that God had heard and answered his prayers as well
as how the messenger told him about Peter.
Cornelius tells how he sent for Peter and he acknowledges a gratitude
for Peter’s willingness to come to him. Cornelius
concludes by telling Peter that he has gathered people who are present to hear
what Peter has come to teach them about God.

Thoughts for Today

First Thought:

Cornelius
is honest. I know that people were
genuinely more accepting of supernatural events in people’s lives back then,
but I still believe that Cornelius is taking a bit of a risk by opening himself
up to Peter like this. Cornelius
confesses to seeing a divine messenger and having a conversation with this
messenger. This is bold, but it is important
for both Peter and Cornelius to understand one another and to move forward with
boldness. Often, true spirituality
relies upon full disclosure and honesty.

Do
you have a few people with whom you can be honest and experience full
disclosure and know that they will hear you and not judge you because of the
truth that is happening in your spiritual life?

Second Thought:

Cornelius
tells us that it is while he was praying that he received the messenger. Remember also that Peter was praying when he
received his vision. I think we often
forget how important prayer is. Yes, God
can come to us whenever he wants. But it
seems like the Bible tells us that over and over again it is when people commit
themselves faithfully to pray that God speaks most loudly.

Do
you really believe in the power of prayer?
How do you live out your belief in prayer being an important aspect of a
spiritual life?

Third Thought:

Cornelius
displays grace and gratitude to Peter.
He shows a considerable appreciation for Peter’s willingness to journey
quite a distance to come to Cornelius.
He also shows a considerable amount of humbleness in gathering people
and submitting to whatever Peter has come to teach. Cornelius takes a position of student rather
than co-worker. Cornelius and the people
are there to learn rather than assert their own understanding. In order to grow, we must be willing to
become the student. Often spiritual
growth starts with that simple act of humbleness before God and humbleness
before the people that God has brought into our life.

To
whom are you humble in learning about spirituality? How does that humbleness play out? Are there times when you can invite others
into your humble times of learning?